MEDIA RELEASE
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders who wish to study science, technology, engineering, arts or maths vocational courses are being encouraged to apply for an Advance Queensland – TAFE Queensland Indigenous Pathways Scholarship.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentimansaid at least 20 scholarships are up for grabs to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to gain the skills for a bright future.
“Undertaking a qualification in STEAM can provide an exciting career in science, technology, engineering, arts or maths and is where we know there will be jobs,” Ms Fentiman said.
“TAFE Queensland is partnering with the Palaszczuk Government to offer Advance Queensland – TAFE Queensland Indigenous Pathways Scholarships of $5,000 each in the first year with a potential additional top-up of $5,000 if recipients successfully go on to further study.”
“The scholarships focus on supporting Indigenous students to create pathways to employment through education by obtaining qualifications to pursue their chosen careers in STEAM.”
“Scholarships can be life changing – they help get rid of the anxiety of worrying about having enough money to buy text books and supplies and ensure recipients can just focus on their study.
“Financial support like this is invaluable when you’re starting down the path of a new and exciting career.”
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said the scholarships are designed to encourage the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to complete a TAFE Queensland qualification in STEAM-related careers.
“Whether you’re leaving school this year, considering a career change or just need a boost, these scholarships will provide an opportunity to develop skills and gain a qualification to secure jobs in some of our largest and fastest growing industries,” Mrs Campbell said.
“We know the power vocational education has to change people’s lives and help them achieve extraordinary things – something TAFE Queensland, the state’s largest and most trusted vocational education and training provider, has been doing for more than 136 years.”
Applications for the scholarships to support study at TAFE Queensland in semester one, 2020 are now open and will close on Thursday 29 August 2019. For more information visit scholarships.tafeqld.edu.au.
Media Contact: Inga Williams 0439 949 719